The Last Empress - Anchee Min

This text is an excerpt from Anchee Min's novel, "The Last Empress," a fictionalized account based on the life of Empress Dowager Cixi of China. The narrative follows Cixi, referred to primarily as Orchid, from her entry into the Forbidden City as a young woman vying for the Emperor's favor, through her rise to power as regent, and her experiences guiding two emperors, Tung Chih and Guang-hsu. The excerpts highlight key historical events like the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion, as well as personal struggles with court intrigue, loss of loved ones, and the immense pressures of ruling a nation facing internal and external challenges. The story explores themes of love, power, loyalty, betrayal, and the sacrifices required of a woman in Cixi's position.